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Bartek Ziemski, a Polish ski mountaineer, has completed a solo, oxygen-free descent from the summit of Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain. This marks his eighth ski descent of an 8,000-meter peak and the first from Lhotse’s summit to base camp without stopping or oxygen assistance.
Polish ski mountaineer Bartek Ziemski has completed a solo, oxygen-free descent from the summit of Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain, on May 12, 2026, marking a significant achievement in high-altitude skiing.
Ziemski, 37, arrived in Nepal in early April and acclimatized by climbing Mera Peak before heading to Everest Base Camp. He then joined a rope fixing team to navigate the Khumbu Icefall and reached Camp IV at 26,000 feet on May 12, where he made his summit push early in the morning.
He was the first climber of the season to summit Lhotse, and his descent was the first to be completed from the summit to base camp without stopping or oxygen assistance. The route he took is one of the most challenging in ski mountaineering, involving steep, icy terrain and narrow couloirs.
During the descent, Ziemski navigated the icy Lhotse Face, passing through the same slopes where Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura made the first skiing descent of Everest in 1970. Ziemski then skied through the Khumbu Icefall back to base camp, completing his expedition without supplemental oxygen, a feat he describes as exhausting but rewarding.
Why It Matters
This achievement is notable because it demonstrates exceptional skill and endurance in extreme conditions, expanding the limits of high-altitude ski mountaineering. Ziemski’s solo, oxygen-free descent from Lhotse’s summit is a rare feat, highlighting his dedication to adventure and technical mastery without the support of sponsorship or social media presence.
It also adds a new chapter to the history of skiing on the world’s highest peaks, following notable descents like Hilaree Nelson’s on Everest in 2018. Ziemski’s accomplishment may inspire future high-altitude ski expeditions and influence the sport’s development.
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Background
Ziemski’s ascent and descent occurred amidst a delayed climbing season caused by a large serac in the Khumbu Icefall, which postponed the start of the season by several weeks. His strategy was to summit early to avoid crowded conditions and potential hazards associated with later-season climbs.
He has previously completed seven ski descents of other 8,000-meter peaks, but his recent Lhotse descent is distinguished by being the first from the summit to base camp without stopping or oxygen. His approach contrasts with more supported descents like those by Nelson and Morrison in 2018, who had extensive team support and filming crews.
“The descent was exhausting, but I am proud to have completed it without stopping or oxygen. It was the toughest ski of my life.”
— Bartek Ziemski
“Ziemski’s ascent and descent demonstrate remarkable skill and resilience in one of the most dangerous environments on Earth.”
— Expedition organizer from Imagine Nepal
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What Remains Unclear
Details about the exact route and conditions during the descent remain limited, and it is not yet confirmed if Ziemski plans further high-altitude ski expeditions this season or in the future. The broader impact on the sport and potential record-setting status are still to be officially recognized.
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What’s Next
Further analysis and confirmation from mountaineering authorities are expected in the coming weeks. Ziemski may undertake additional climbs or descents, and his recent achievement could influence future high-altitude ski expeditions.
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Key Questions
Who is Bartek Ziemski?
Bartek Ziemski is a Polish ski mountaineer and software engineer who specializes in high-altitude ski descents of the world’s highest peaks. He is known for his low-profile approach and multiple ski descents of 8,000-meter mountains.
What makes Ziemski’s descent of Lhotse significant?
It is the first known descent from Lhotse’s summit to base camp without stopping or oxygen support, marking a notable milestone in high-altitude ski mountaineering.
Did Ziemski have support during his descent?
No, Ziemski completed the descent solo and without supplemental oxygen, relying solely on his skill and endurance.
Are there plans to verify or record this achievement officially?
Official recognition is pending confirmation from mountaineering authorities and further documentation, which is expected in the coming weeks.
What are Ziemski’s future plans?
It is not yet clear whether Ziemski intends to undertake more high-altitude ski descents this season or in the future, as he maintains a low profile and does not publicly announce plans beforehand.
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